Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which a person can see near objects more clearly than distant objects. The focusing power of a myopic eye is too strong, usually because the eye is longer than normal. When an eye is too long, light rays from distant objects focus before they reach the retina. The result is blurred distance vision. A tendency for myopia may be inherited; frequent or prolonged near work may influence its progression. It is typically detected in school-age children, may worsen during adolescence, and generally stabilizes by the early 20’s. Myopia is the most common refractive error. A presbyopic (older) person with myopia can often read well by taking off their distance glasses, thus avoiding the need for reading glasses.

Mild to moderate myopia are usually treated with LASIK or PRK/LASEK. Myopic eyes with thin cornea or keratoconus may be treated with Intacs intracorneal implants. High and extreme myopia cases that are beyond the range of LASIK and PRK can often benefit from phakic intraocular lens implants.